Personal Injury Guide for College Station, Texas Victims

Introduction: Why College Station Residents Need a Local Personal Injury Roadmap

Whether you are commuting on State Highway 6, attending a Texas A&M football game, or working on a ranch outside the city limits, accidents in College Station can—and do—happen. Brazos County’s population has surged past 240,000 residents in recent years, and with expanding traffic on Earl Rudder Freeway, more construction sites, and frequent severe weather events, personal injury claims are on the rise. When another person or company’s negligence leaves you hurt, the clock starts ticking immediately on your right to pursue compensation under Texas law. This comprehensive guide answers the questions most often asked by College Station victims and their families, explains key sections of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, and outlines practical steps to maximize your recovery.

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Understanding Your Personal Injury Rights in Texas

1. The Right to Sue Within the Statutory Deadline

Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003 gives most personal injury victims two years from the date of injury to file suit. Miss the deadline and the court will almost always dismiss your case, no matter how strong the facts are.

2. The Right to Seek Economic and Non-Economic Damages

Texas law allows recovery for medical bills, lost wages, lost future earning capacity, pain and suffering, physical impairment, and more. There is no statutory cap on most negligence claims (medical malpractice and certain government tort claims are exceptions).

3. The Right to a Fair Fault Allocation

Under Texas’s modified comparative fault system—codified at Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 33—the court or jury assigns each responsible party a percentage of fault. Victims can still recover if they are not more than 50% responsible. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.

4. The Right to Retain a Licensed Texas Attorney

Only lawyers licensed by the State Bar of Texas may represent you in a Texas court. You can verify any lawyer’s status through the Bar’s public search tool.

Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in College Station

Motor Vehicle Collisions

With University Drive, Wellborn Road, and SH 47 funneling thousands of vehicles daily, crashes are the leading cause of local personal injury claims. Common factors include distracted driving, fatigued student drivers, and heavy game-day traffic.

Oil Field and Industrial Accidents

Brazos Valley sits near major oil and gas infrastructure. Explosions, toxic exposures, and equipment failures can injure workers and bystanders. These claims often involve both personal injury law and workers’ compensation rules.

Premises Liability (Slip, Trip & Fall)

Property owners in Texas must remedy unreasonably dangerous conditions or warn guests. Wet floors at local grocery stores, loose handrails at apartment complexes, or uneven sidewalks by campus can create liability if the owner knew—or should have known—about the hazard.

Animal Attacks

Texas follows a “one-bite” plus negligence rule. If a dog previously acted aggressively or the owner violated local leash ordinances, the owner can be held liable for bite injuries.

Severe Weather-Related Injuries

Flash floods and severe thunderstorms are common in College Station. Property owners who fail to maintain safe drainage or business operators who ignore lightning warnings at outdoor events may face liability when patrons are injured.

Texas Legal Protections & Injury Laws Every Victim Should Know

Statute of Limitations Breakdown

• General negligence: 2 years (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §16.003).

• Wrongful death: 2 years from date of death (§16.003(b)).

• Claims against the State of Texas or a municipality: Notice often required within 6 months (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §101.101).

• Minor victims: Time may be tolled until the 18th birthday (Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §16.001).

Modified Comparative Fault: How 51% Can Bar Recovery

If you are found 51% or more at fault, Chapter 33 bars any recovery. For example, if a jury awards $100,000 in damages but assigns you 30% fault, you collect $70,000. However, if they assign you 55% fault, you receive nothing.

Insurance Minimums and Bad Faith Protections

Texas Transportation Code §601.072 sets minimum auto liability limits of 30/60/25. Insurers must handle claims in good faith under Tex. Ins. Code Chapter 541. Victims can sue for unfair settlement practices, seeking treble damages in egregious cases.

Caps on Damages

There is no cap on pain and suffering in general negligence cases, but medical malpractice claims face a $250,000 per-claimant cap under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code §74.301.

Steps to Take After a Personal Injury in Texas

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention College Station Medical Center (now CHI St. Joseph Health College Station) and Baylor Scott & White Hospital are the primary trauma facilities. Prompt treatment documents your injuries and protects your health.

• Report the Incident Call 911 for vehicle crashes; request a Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). For premises injuries, insist management completes a written incident report.

• Preserve Evidence Photograph the scene, collect witness names, and keep damaged clothing or equipment. Under Tex. R. Civ. P. 196.4, electronically stored information (e.g., security footage) is discoverable—send a spoliation letter quickly.

• Notify Your Insurance Carrier—but Cautiously Most policies require prompt notice. Provide basic facts only; avoid recorded statements until you have counsel.

• Track All Expenses Maintain receipts for prescription medication, medical devices, travel to doctors, and lost wage documentation.

• Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer College Station Texas Victims Trust Early legal advice can preserve crucial rights, assess liability, and prevent insurer tactics aimed at minimizing payouts.

When to Seek Legal Help in Texas

Red Flags That Demand Attorney Involvement

• Severe or permanent injuries such as spinal cord damage.

• Liability is disputed and you may be assigned fault.

• The insurer delays or denies a legitimate claim.

• Multiple parties or corporate defendants are involved (e.g., commercial truck crash on SH 6).

Contingency Fees and Costs

Most College Station accident attorneys accept cases on contingency—no fee unless they recover money for you. Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 1.04 requires written fee agreements explaining percentages and expenses.

Deadline to Hire Counsel

Because witness memories fade and evidence disappears, victims should contact counsel well before the two-year limit. Early investigation often increases settlement value.

Local Resources & Next Steps

Hospitals and Physical Therapy Centers

• CHI St. Joseph Health College Station Hospital – 1604 Rock Prairie Rd.

• Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – 700 Scott & White Dr.

• St. Joseph Health Rehabilitation – 211 Wellborn Rd.

Courts Handling Personal Injury Lawsuits

• Brazos County District Courts (85th, 272nd, 361st) – 300 E. 26th St., Bryan, TX.

• County Court at Law No. 1 & No. 2 – same address.

Transportation and Crash Records

Texas DOT Crash Records Information System

Helpful External Links

Texas Statute of Limitations (§16.003) Texas Comparative Fault Rule (Chapter 33) Texas Department of Insurance Consumer Help

Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change, and every case is unique. Consult a licensed Texas personal injury attorney before making legal decisions.

If you were injured due to someone else's negligence, call Louis Law Group at 833-657-4812 for a free case evaluation and legal consultation.